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HoosierStu Flying Brick Rider

Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Posts: 648 Location: Goshen Indiana
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 8:48 am Post subject: New Helmet thread |
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I'm looking into a new modular helmet with a drop down sun visor. I've tried on a number of different brands including the Nolan 103 and the HJC SymaxII. I know the most important thing is that it fits me well and is comfortable.
I really like the Nolan 103 but am wondering if it is a bit heavy and expensive for what you get.
Where is a good on-line source for helmets? Does anyone know of a place that can send you two sizes so you can then return one (with without a re-stocking fee)?
A local motorcycle shop introduced me to the Shark brand. It has a very different modular system that I can't get excited about.
I recently bought parts for my wifes HJC hemlet. This was a surprisingly simple and cheap process. Are Nolan parts readily available too?
Please chime in on durablilty, repairability, etc.
I just found this page on weight:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-weights.htm _________________ "Still can't find 6th gear" 94 K1100LT |
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SugarHillCTD Site Admin

Joined: 10 Oct 2007 Posts: 4238 Location: Now in Eastern Pennsylvania
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:23 am Post subject: |
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Cathy and I have been using Nolan 102 helmets for over 2 years now- haven't needed any parts yet. We like the N-Com
They are good not great. If you don't have a full windshield- they are very noisy but should be OK with your LT.
No input on the 103. _________________ John & Cathy
'92 K100RS4V Pearl White SOLD
'04 K1200GT
IBA Several-SS1k, BBG, 50CC NYC to S.F. |
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jpberens1994K1100RS Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 784 Location: Hales Corners, WI. / Relocating to central FL.
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 10:02 am Post subject: modular helmets |
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I have a Nolan, just too noisy on the K - RS. Mine kinda started falling apart after a year of use and got even noisier!
I am now suspect of the hinge mechanism on modulars and the possibility of failure during that worst possible moment.
Using an HJC right now, it's OK, wish I could buy/ afford a Shoei X11, but the wife may just blow a gasket.
Going to the national MOA ralley, kinda like the " Scorpian " hoping for a ralley special and to talk to a few who own them. I like the touted features, but not certain how well they all work. _________________ 1993 K1100RS that I'd rather be riding FAST!
2014 Moto Guzzi Norge |
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Rafal Flying Brick Rider

Joined: 05 Jan 2009 Posts: 257 Location: Wroclaw, Poland
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 1:14 pm Post subject: |
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Hello!
You may try to start atWeb Bike World. They have IMO excellent products review, including helmets.
What I like about Nolan flip up helmets it is the open mechanism. It is not a simple hinge - it make the front part to sing and then go down, so in open position it is closer to helmet shell. So you don't look like a knight .
Best regards, _________________ Rafal
K1100RS is a real beast (in Marrakesh Red)
K75S is a real beauty - she has gone , but not to far .
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Off the grid Chaotic Good

Joined: 05 Jul 2006 Posts: 3414 Location: At the local taco truck waiting for Jo.
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 1:20 pm Post subject: |
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| Rafal wrote: | Hello!
You may try to start atWeb Bike World. They have IMO excellent products review, including helmets.
What I like about Nolan flip up helmets it is the open mechanism. It is not a simple hinge - it make the front part to sing and then go down, so in open position it is closer to helmet shell. So you don't look like a knight .
Best regards, |
+1
I've had my HJC Symax flip for almost 2.5 years. With earplugs it rocks. Without earplugs it sucks. _________________ Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"
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Scott_Anderson Site Admin
Joined: 05 Sep 2006 Posts: 3122 Location: Central Iowa, USA
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 1:29 pm Post subject: |
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I've been using my HJC Symax II for about a year now. I really like it compared the the solid full face style.
Still wear sun glasses even with the internal sun visor.
Haven't needed ear plugs to speak of.
If you are thinking of a intercom system for them, they need the "open" face style with the mic on the boom.
I shopped on line and printed a price quote sheet, then went to the local shop for size/fit and asked if they would price match. They came within $20 so I bought local. _________________ Ride safe.
1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
Garmin StreetPilot 2820
Garmin Zumo 550
Garmin Zumo XT
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb
1997 K1100LT 0302488(R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold) |
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Flying Duck PsyKotic Waterfowl

Joined: 27 Jan 2005 Posts: 10102 Location: Bumf***, WA
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 1:29 pm Post subject: |
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You have an LT and live in Indiana. You don't need a flippin' helmet.  _________________ 93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE |
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HoosierStu Flying Brick Rider

Joined: 02 Jun 2005 Posts: 648 Location: Goshen Indiana
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 5:35 pm Post subject: |
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I was at my mechanics today getting my new tires put on and I asked him about helmets. He said he has had many clients very happy with the Shark brand.
He said everyone remarks on how quiet they are.
I'm starting to wonder if the extra weight involved with the flip-front is worth it.
When the heck is Arai going to make a helmet with a drop down sun shield? Seems to me they are bound to loose a chunk of their sales if they don't so something fast. _________________ "Still can't find 6th gear" 94 K1100LT |
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Stoked Steve Flying Brick Rider

Joined: 01 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402 Location: Virginia Beach, VA
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:22 pm Post subject: |
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I bought the new HJC IS-16 helmet with the internal sun visor (similar to Scott A's, but without the flip up front.) I've previously been using a Nolan E102 modular, but found it too noisy on the RS. It's like someone pointing two hair dryers right at your ears at any speed more than 50 mph.
So far I've been pleased with the HJC IS-16. It was only about $140 with shipping from newenough.com and it's been the most comfortable helmet I've had yet. There are no hot spots and it just "fits". The cheek pads were a bit tight at first, but have quickly broken in and now seem normal.
A great helmet for the price and seems to be of fairly high quality for the price. Two thumbs up so far.
 _________________ Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom |
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owrstrich Flying Brick Rider

Joined: 29 Oct 2006 Posts: 2566 Location: CheezConsin
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 9:58 pm Post subject: |
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i have tried on many of those internal drop down sun visor helmets...
i have not tried one yet where the optics in the internal drop down sun visor were proper... they all messed up my vision and messed with my depth perception...
j o _________________ yeeeeeehaaaaaaa... |
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Flying Duck PsyKotic Waterfowl

Joined: 27 Jan 2005 Posts: 10102 Location: Bumf***, WA
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Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2009 10:05 pm Post subject: |
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And look what it's done to your hair!  _________________ 93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE |
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Sonu Flying Brick Rider
Joined: 15 Jan 2004 Posts: 400 Location: San Jose, CA
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Posted: Sun Jun 28, 2009 12:43 am Post subject: Re: New Helmet thread |
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| HoosierStu wrote: | Please chime in on durablilty, repairability, etc.
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Stu,
I've had a Shoei flip up full face helmet for ~8 years now (time to get another one). It replaced a Shoe RF200 which I had for ~5 years. With both of these I had zero problems. Very durable and I simply did not need to repair anything.
For helmets I'd suggest forget about reading reviews and go to a large MC show room and try on a bunch of them. Fit is the most important factor to me. Followed by cost. If I dont spend on a helmet then I should not be riding.
Personally I stay away from gizmo's in a helmet (tinted visors, bluetooth etc). Just give me something that fits and has a DOT and SNELL rating. I've not had much use for the "flip-up" feature on my present helmet. Will likely replace it with a full face helmet.
Sanjiv _________________ 1997 K1100LT "Ziggy" _GarminGPS_Corbin saddle_K Guards _Hyperlights_Fog lights_Eastern Beaver Relays_Cee Bailey_4"speakers_Michelin PR4's_MoS2_Spiegler lines_TPMS_VDO
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